Your Library — A 24/7 Operation!

Hello everyone. I am writing this as an update on one of my primary election issues. Throughout the election, I chided the council for attempting to close the Springtown library. I understand that it was a very difficult decision but I want to ensure that the needs of the citizens north of the freeway are met. I personally love the Springtown branch and used to take my daughter there when she was young thus I had an emotional tie to the branch as well. I recently had a meeting with Susan Gallinger, director of library services. I personally was astonished to find out about all of the services our library offers to us.

Did you know that you get free wireless at the library? I love to go to the library to study. It is a nice place to go and find a quiet space to get your homework done. They have private study rooms to use for small groups. Additionally, all three libraries have PC’s you can use. They are loaded with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You can print from them for 10 cents per page. Also, the library also has a fax you can use for a fee.

During this meeting, I learned that the library has several classes. For example, on Jan. 4, there is a class “Internet for Beginners”

Another service your library provides is the Free 2 Succeed job center. This center has variety of resources and tools to help people with their resumes, interviews, and finding a new job.

The Rincon Branch offers free legal advice.

You can even go to the library to apply for a passport.

There is so much going on at your library I am absolutely amazed. There are classes, lectures, and musical events. I was truly astonished by all that is available at our library.

Now for the part that is most significant for me. Did you know that you could borrow E-books? I am an avid reader. When life is not crazy, I will read two to three books a week. I usually have several going at a time. I calculated my expenditures at one point and determined that I had over 10,000 worth of books in my garage. I then made the decision to use my local library.

Now, I admit to being somewhat impulsive and if the library did not have a book I “had” to read, I still purchased it. But the use of the library saved me a ton of money. Plus, it is an environmentally sound solution — a win-win for everyone except the author and publisher of course.

Then, a couple of years ago my husband purchased me my first Kindle. I love it. I am astonished that I can “sample” a book for free and that I can take 100 books with me on vacation if I want. Thus, out the window with the library and back to buying books. That was until I had the meeting with Susan.

I did not know that the library allows us to check out E-books. You can check out books, audio books, music — all from the comfort of your home. When she told me about this service, I was amazed. I immediately went home and signed on to get my electronic library card. I went to the digital library and attempted to get a book. Oops, it turns out that you need to get a “regular” library card in person to obtain E-books. I am not entirely sure why, but that is the current process. So, I gave up on it for the night and the following day I went to the library to get a card. The process took five minutes. I came home and five minutes later, the latest Lee Child book was waiting for me on my iPad. All I have to say is the Livermore Library is a technological superstar.

Click here to get information on how to use the E-Books.

Now, getting back to Springtown. For now, the library is open on Tuesdays. You have access to anything you need 24 hours a day if you have a computer. In the future, there are plans to improve the services for the citizens that utilize that library. Please go to the library’s website and see how they can serve you.

Thank you for reading.

Laureen Turner

Livermore City Councilmember